A married couple who made £187,000 from an illicit cannabis enterprise have been ordered to sell their Midland home or face prison. Mark Clarke, 50, and Jemma Clarke, 42, of Webb Tree Avenue, Hereford, were convicted at Worcester Crown Court following a police raid in May 2023.
Police Discovery
Officers found large quantities of cannabis and related products in containers with an estimated street value of £7,340. They also seized drug-dealing paraphernalia, a knuckle duster, cash, and mobile phones containing messages about drug transactions.
Financial Investigation
Analysis of the couple's banking revealed cash deposits of £97,395 into a joint account between January 2020 and April 2023. Regular payments referencing 'cake'—a term for cannabis products—totalled £32,029. An account registered to Jemma Clarke had deposits of £47,087 and withdrawals of £46,375 over three years.
The criminal benefit was calculated at £187,580, with an available amount under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) of £154,200 from the sale of their home. The money must be paid within three months, or they will face a default 12-month prison sentence, with the debt still owed upon release.
Sentencing
Both were convicted of possession with intent to supply cannabis, possession of an offensive weapon, and entering into or being concerned in the acquisition, retention, use, or control of criminal property. Mark Clarke received 18 months in prison, suspended for two years, 200 hours of unpaid work, and 25 days of rehabilitation. Jemma Clarke received the same but with 150 hours of unpaid work. Both must pay a victim surcharge.
Further charges of being concerned in the supply of cannabis were ordered to lie on file.
Police Statement
Inspector Rachel O’Brien of West Mercia Police said: 'We're pleased to get this result under POCA for such a large amount, which reflects the level of the Clarkes' drug trafficking and could put them behind bars if they don’t pay up. We hope this shows the public we will punish criminals financially so they cannot benefit from illegal enterprises.'
